Many thanks for all the replies.

Re "underpowered", I was mock-quoting some experts who had said the 3.2 was underpowered. I'm on my 3rd non-turbo V70 and have no problem dealing with modest engine output.

Re "modern junk", I'm not against safety tech. You'll never hear me employ the words "nanny tech" as many writers do. I just live in fear of complex stuff being rushed to market which will break as I own cars longer than average. I also believe many of the beeping gadgets in todays cars serve to dull the driver's awareness and thus, his skills.

Plus, cheap sensors mounted in plastic bumper skins don't instill confidence. My '07's backup beepers don't work after a sputtering death.

Screens which pop-up out of dashboards is needless complexity. We expect the ejection pawls in cassette + CD players to fail, don't we? I resent holding my breath waiting for some toy to work or break in the up position. Ask me how I feel about the ridiculously high costs associated with repairing this stuff.

Now the good news, sorta. The former owner of a service station near me is selling his wife's 2004 XC-90 w/104K. I mentioned it and people here have responded. The owner is still out of town so it's on hold

Now what might be better news. Whilst taking a walk with my wife we spotted a 2005 Ford Ranger FX4 w89K. I'm awaiting his return call.

Thanks for answering. Being this is a 3rd car purchase decision (for 2 people) I suppose it should be difficult.